Effect of 3D printed shaped charge liner on the effectiveness of shaped charges

Abstract. The possibilities of 3D printing have significantly expanded in recent years, driven by the continuous development of new materials, technologies, and methods of application. 3D printing is no longer limited to industrial use or hobbyists; it is increasingly finding applications in advanced fields such as military engineering. These innovations are also being integrated into the structures of the Czech Army and other armed forces, enabling new approaches to solving technical and operational challenges. This article focuses on the use of 3D-printed shaped charges in military demolition works and their effectiveness in destroying target. The charges were designed with varying stand-off distances from the target, allowing for thorough testing of their efficiency and impact. Advanced methods were employed to analyze the results, including precise machine measurement of the resulting entry holes and metallographic examination of the damaged materials and shaped charge liners. Particular attention was given to testing the 3D printing filament used, which contained copper. This significantly influenced the formation and effectiveness of the shaped charge, by using 3D printed liners. The results demonstrated that this technology enables both full penetrations and partial damage to target materials, depending on the configuration of the charges and the stand-off distance. This research confirms that 3D printing offers not only flexibility in the design and production of specialized explosive devices but also opens new opportunities for optimizing military equipment. The article concludes by discussing the achieved results and their potential practical applications, including further development and refinement of these innovative technologies within armed forces.